Meeting with Governor Punjab Ch Muhammad Sarwar and discussed building public libraries in Punjab and hiring of librarians against vacant positions. Governor assured full support to the cause of libraries and appreciated the projects proposed by PLA Punjab. We need to explore every opportunity to raise the level of knowledge and scholarship in the country. You will agree that image and status of librarians have raised from book keepers to knowledge solution providers. The title librarian and library have started gaining respect. Ministers, Secretaries of Govt Departments and Vice Chancellors are now frequently seen as chief guests and guest speakers in librarians functions. Politicians, government officials, educationists, intellectuals, people in media and common people have now started realizing the importance of libraries and librarians. Our colleagues in all provinces and federal branch are successfully highlighting the role of libraries in education and overall well being of the people. Reluctantly a few big projects have been approved to establish new libraries, upgrade existing libraries in Punjab and other provinces. A couple of weeks ago in a meeting CM Punjab has asked to build 300-500 libraries in all public parks. However Bureaucracy is the only hurdle. Finances have been arranged. I have prepared specifications, infrastructure and financial analysis. Commissioners and DCOs will identify the location and works department will construct the buildings. These will be smart libraries with 4000 print books, a dozen of magazines, newspapers, multimedia sections, operated through solar energy and wapda both will operate in two shifts. Each library will be managed by a Senior Librarian BPS-18, two Librarians BPS-17, one computer technician and attendant. In the first phase from this October work n 50 Libraries will start In sha Allah. Parallel to this a project on Digital Library Punjab has been approved in this budget. Salam to all my colleague librarians who are working hard for uplifting the profession. Sincerely Muhammad Ramzan FairKnowledge President PLA Punjab.
Posted on: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 09:49:25 +0000